196 ASSOCIATIONS AND SHOWS. 



These associations established in almost every 

 county in affiliation with the British Bee-keepers' 

 Association, do a great deal to advance intelligent 

 bee-keeping. They not only promote unity of purpose 

 and a kindly feeling arjiongst bee-keepers, but in 

 various ways give much instruction. They organize 

 shows, and give prizes for honey and hives. They 

 provide lecturers for meetings, and then, as their 

 principal and most useful work, employ men of ex- 

 perience called ' experts,' who go round the country, 

 and visit members at their homes, examining their 

 hives and giving .good practical advice. 



When you are a bee-keeper you will doubtless join 

 such an association, and then, when your bees are 

 prospering, you will look forward to its annual show 

 with great interest. It may be you will be able to 

 send some honey for exhibition. Let us hope you 

 will. 



The show of hives and honey will possibly be in 

 connexion with the flower show of the neighbourhood, 

 so that there will be a large gathering of people from 

 the county round — those interested in flowers as well 

 as those interested in bees. 



The occasion of such a show is both an interesting 

 and pleasant holiday. It will be held, probably, near 

 the market town, and you will perhaps go by train ; and 

 as you draw near, at every station you will see signs of 

 holiday and preparation. Children with their exhibits 

 of wild or other flowers will join the train, dressed in 

 their best, and with anticipation of success beaming 

 in their faces. Gardeners, too, will be there with 

 their precious flowers, eagerly discussing their merits. 



